The state government will support the project by constructing a runway, a critical feature distinguishing an airport from an airstrip. However, the Governor stressed that the project remains entirely federally funded, with no financial commitments required from the state. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday and will be officiated by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo. Otti expressed gratitude to the federal government for initiating the project.

Addressing the alleged N10 billion mismanagement by the previous administration under Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for a non-existent airport project, Otti assured that investigations are ongoing. Anti-graft agencies have reportedly questioned certain officials from the previous government, and Otti confirmed that the matter is being handled diligently.

The Governor also explained the decision to abandon the previous airport site due to its development into a built-up area, which would require significant demolition and compensation to landowners. The newly selected site, strategically located between Aba and Umuahia, offers better prospects. Otti assured that affected landowners at the new site will be compensated fairly and dismissed protests against the location as politically driven, alleging they come from opponents uncomfortable with his administration’s achievements.

Otti touched on other critical state matters, announcing that the 2024 budget allocations for road projects, such as the Ariam Usaka ring road in Ikwuano, have been exhausted, but the project has been included in the 2025 budget. He further confirmed that state workers would receive the promised 13th-month salary alongside their December wages to ease the financial burden of the holiday season.

On education, the Governor unveiled plans to establish 20 smart schools to enhance educational quality, particularly in rural areas, and committed to recruiting more teachers while considering special welfare packages for rural educators. Additionally, Otti reaffirmed his commitment to implementing recommendations from the White Paper on the Visitation Panel of Abia State University, Uturu, as part of his administration’s broader reform agenda.